What is the News ?

The President of India recently opened the Annual General Meeting and Biennial Conference of the Asia Pacific Forum on Human Rights in New Delhi.

Facts About:

• Established in 1996, the Asia Pacific Forum is a unified platform that brings together National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from across the Asia Pacific.
• It focuses on addressing significant human rights challenges in the region.
• The forum consists of 17 full members and eight associate members, with India being a full member since its inception.
• To become a full member, an NHRI must fully adhere to the international standards outlined in the Paris Principles. NHRI's that partially comply are granted associate membership.
• Decisions regarding new member admissions are made by the Forum Council.
• A primary objective of the APF is to encourage the establishment of independent NHRIs in the Asia Pacific and support its members in their effective work.

What is the News ?

The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED), under the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is set to launch the second phase of the 'Promotion of Tribal Products for the North East Region' (PTP-NER 2.0) scheme, running from September 21 to November 10, 2023.

Facts About:

This scheme, launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aims to enhance the livelihoods of tribal artisans by improving the procurement, logistics, and marketing of their products.

It covers the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim.

The scheme has two phases:

• Phase 1 included 8 states and 38 districts, with 64 Tribal Artisans Empanelment Melas (TAeM) organized by TRIFED and NEHHDC.
• Phase 2 will cover 29 districts, continuing the effort to support tribal artisans and showcase their cultural heritage.

Implementing partners include the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), India Post, and various North Eastern State Government Departments and Agencies.

India Post will provide logistical support to achieve the scheme's objectives.

What is the News ?

Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay and Kavaratti, along with the submarine INS Sindhukesari, have reached Singapore to take part in the 30th Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX).

Facts About:

• SIMBEX 23 is an annual naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
• It's been held every year since 1994 and is the longest continuous naval exercise India has with any country.
• The exercise has two phases: a harbor phase in Singapore from September 21 to 24, 2023, and a sea phase.
• In addition to Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay, Kavaratti, and INS Sindhukesari, the Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I is also participating.
• During the harbor phase, there will be professional interactions, cross-deck visits, knowledge exchanges, and sports events to improve cooperation and understanding between the two navies.
• The sea phase will involve advanced exercises like air defense, gunnery, tactical maneuvers, anti-submarine drills, and other maritime operations.
• Both navies aim to enhance their skills for joint maritime operations.

What is the News ?

The Central Government has announced that companies and entities may have approximately one year to comply with the regulations outlined in the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023. Smaller organizations or startups might be granted even more time for compliance.

Facts About:

The DPDP Act is a legal framework in India designed to protect individuals' personal data and ensure it's only shared with their consent. It governs the processing of digital personal data to safeguard privacy in the digital age.

Applicability:

• It applies to digital personal data processed within India, regardless of its origin (online or offline).
• It also applies to data processing outside India if it involves offering goods or services to Indian data subjects.

Evolution:

• It originates from the recommendations of the Justice BN Srikrishna-led Expert Committee, leading to the introduction of the Personal Data Protection Act in 2019.
• After consultations and revisions, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, was enacted by both houses of Parliament.

Key Stakeholders:

• Data Principal (DP): The data owner who must give consent for data generation and processing.
• Data Fiduciary: The entity collecting, storing, and sharing data, acting as a "Consent Manager."
• Data Processor: The entity processing data on behalf of a data fiduciary.
• Data Protection Officer (DPO): An individual appointed by a data fiduciary to oversee data protection compliance.

Individuals have rights such as the right to information, correction, erasure, grievance redressal, and the right to nominate someone to exercise these rights in case of incapacity or death.

What is the News ?

The Indian Government recently introduced a new set of National Awards for achievements in science, technology, and innovation called the "Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar."

Facts About:

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is an award that recognizes outstanding contributions in the fields of science, technology, and innovation in India.

It's one of the highest honors in these fields.

Who can receive the awards?

• Scientists, technologists, and innovators, whether in government or private sectors, who have made significant breakthroughs in their respective fields.
• People of Indian origin living abroad who have made exceptional contributions benefiting Indian communities.

The awards are given in four categories:

• Vigyan Ratna (VR): Lifetime achievements in science and technology.
• Vigyan Shri (VS): Distinguished contributions in science and technology.
• Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB): Young scientists under 45 years old who've made exceptional contributions.
• Vigyan Team (VT): Teams of three or more scientists, researchers, or innovators who've excelled in their field.

The awards cover 13 domains, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Environment, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science, and more.